What Is the root cause as to why SMS messages are open to attackers and...

SMS technology was originally designed for casual, low-security communication. It lacks the robust security features required for transmitting sensitive information, such as one-time payment codes. The protocol does not encrypt messages, leaving them vulnerable to interception during transmission. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of SMS for various services has made it an attractive target for attackers, leading to exploitation through methods like SIM swapping, phishing, and other forms of abuse12.

References: The explanation is based on the general knowledge of SMS technology’s limitations and security vulnerabilities, as well as information from sources discussing SMS attacks and mitigation strategies12.